Samsung announces giant Galaxy Mega smartphones

Samsung has announced the Galaxy Mega 5.8 and 6.3 – two new mid-level devices that aim to fill the gap between smartphone and tablet. While the handsets might not be heavyweights on the spec sheet, they are some of the biggest devices we've seen, and at 5.8 and 6.3 inches, they're certainly deserving of their moniker.

Rumors that Samsung would release another “phablet” device have been gathering steam for a while, and the predictions of two expansive mid-range devices were pretty much right on the money. There's nothing to shout about here in terms of raw power, but the success of the Korean firm's high-end Galaxy Note I and II proves that there's more than enough room in the market for giant smartphones.

The larger 6.3-inch model features a 1.7 GHz dual core processor, 1.5 GB of RAM, LTE connectivity, a choice of 8 or 16 GB of expandable storage and a 3,200 mAh battery. Samsung isn't giving any specifics on the device's HD TFT display, but based on the handset's other specs, we're willing to bet it's of the 720p variety rather than a full 1080p HD offering. There are 1.9 and 8-megapixel cameras on the front and back of the device, which comes in at a fairly svelte 8 mm (0.31 inches) thick and weighs in at 199 grams (7 oz).

The Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8

The Galaxy Mega 5.8 does more than just lower the screen size of the device – it lowers just about everything else on the spec sheet as well. Once again, Samsung hasn't provided specific details on the QHD TFT display, but CNET reported before the announcement that the handset would carry a resolution of just 960 x 540, putting it somewhere between the first generation iPhone and original Galaxy S smartphone.

The smaller device also drops the LTE connectivity of its big brother and comes fitted with a smaller capacity 2,600 mAh battery. The 5.8 is powered by a 1.4 GHz dual core processor, with 1.5 GB RAM and 8 GB expandable internal storage. It's also a little thicker than the 6.3, coming in at 9 mm (0.35 inches) and weighing 182 grams (6.4 oz). Both devices are powered by Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.

Those specs are some way below the company's 5.5-inch Galaxy Note 2.0 handset, and don't even come close to current flagship offerings from the likes of HTC, Apple and of course the Korean giant itself. But with Galaxy Note sales riding high, we're sure than the company's latest “phablets” will find their fair share of supporters.

If you're looking for a single device to replace your aging smartphone and tablet, and your budget doesn't stretch to a Note II, then the Galaxy Mega series might be worth a look.